Mercer Canyons 2014 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $11
Best Buy! Prosser winemaker Jessica Munnell somehow delivers a reserve Chardonnay at an everyday price, and it starts with vineyards such as Sagemoor, Zephyr Ridge and Sunnyside. An enchanting nose of lemon oil, ripe peach and pear includes hints of clarified butter, light toast, Spanish almond and white pepper. The drink is rich and plush, in part because of the partial barrel treatment and malolactic fermentation, but there’s also the inclusion of Viognier (4%). Flavors of Red Haven peach are accented by underlying lemony acidity, leading to a finish of toasted sourdough bread. Look for this under the new label for the Mercer Canyons brand, a move away from farm animals to this more classic vineyard artwork.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 4,642 cases
Alcohol: 13.9%
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